George Smith History

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ReunionPhotostory

We all got tired of waiting on ducklings to make their appearance, so yesterday, we went and picked up two.  Not sure what they are yet, since they were “Hatchery Choice.”  Just little yellow ducklings.  Scott’s had fun trying to figure them out.  I think they’re just little yellow ducklings and that’s good enough.

The best part has been watching Donovan.  You would have thought we brought home the entire cast of YoGabbaGabba.  He was so excited about picking out his ducklings.  When Zach called yesterday, he was determined to tell Zach about them.  And that was an interesting conversation after driving us nuts about it.  “Well, we have ducks.  Two of them.  And one’s named George.  Bye.”  Not exactly, but something like that.

The highlight of the day was letting them have a swim in the bathtub.  They really enjoyed the water time and it’s fantastic watching them follow each other.  One is definitely in charge and the other just goes right along behind.  We gave them some lettuce as a treat so they could eat while they swam.  They were happy little ducklings, playing with the lettuce and playing keep away.

My hope is that dealing with two will get us ready for the 10 who will be here in May.  I know we’re not keeping all of them, but for a while, it will be “Make Way for Ducklings” around here.  And that’s okay.  They’re very sweet and you can’t help but smile when you watch them.  My boys are happy.  That means alot.

I’m still amazed at how peaceful it all makes me feel when I deal with the chaos that is my life here at home.  I know I was born at the wrong time.  I would have been happy as a farm wife.  The more insanity that goes on around here, the more at home I feel.  And I know it seems insane, but I’ve given up worrying about it.  It’s home.  And my heart is always here.

So much to do with school, keeping up with this site gets to be more than I can think about.  It’s been a crazy year already.  More snow than we’ve ever seen.  Too many days missed at school.  Hate it that we’ve got to go on into June, but since the garden doesn’t get a good start until late June/early July, I’m not too concerned.

I’m ready to get started again, though.  Way too much stuff in the basement to eat through.  I’m thinkin’ it’s not gonna happen any time soon.  Who knows, maybe it will.

So…what’s new?  Oh, yeah.  Dancing every night.  Scott and the kids got me a Wii for Christmas along with the Wii fit.  Hate that little weighing guy.  He and I are gonna have a long talk one of these days.  Ended up getting the Just Dance games – 1, 2, and the kids’ version.  Then Friday, I bought Michael Jackson: The Experience.  Lost 5 pounds.  Still got more to go, but I’m happy with that.  Just that stupid little scale in that Wii fit who’s in trouble.  Anyway, have a goal set for myself by reunion time.  Hopefully, I’ll get there.  Scott’s already lost over 7 pounds, but he’s got farther to go than I do.  He’s doing the Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout and then the dance with me.  He’s so competitive.  But that’s okay, I guess.

Time to change the template for the site to something more spring….but not today.  Temps back into the 20s for a couple of nights this week.  I’ll wait a week.

I got so caught up in dealing with summer and the pool and the garden and stuff, I lost track of the site.  Have some more recipes to add over the winter, but not too enthused about doing that now.  It’s allergy season – lovely stuff that is – and as much as I hate it, I’m trying to stay in.  Sad, but true.  Fall is my favorite time of year, or would be if not for the pollen issue.

Taking advantage of the long weekend to get some applesauce done.  Got to handle pears first.  And put up Granny Smith apples, too.  Not ours, but will make good canned apples with some cinnamon and cloves.  Maybe a little cooking gel to get them to set up a bit.

Scott’s working on the side porch rail.  He’s putting a coat of primer on it and then painting it.  Will be so much better than it was.  I’ll post pictures when he’s done.

Put out the last run of onions and pumpkins today.  I’m not sure about my timing for the pumpkins, but this is the earliest I could get it out.  I know where to get them if mine don’t produce.  Now if God will just provide the rain, I’ll be much happier. I won’t even ask for a decrease in temperature.

Noticed that something’s decided to sample the corn.  Too tall for a vole, so I’m guessing coon or ‘possum.  Not much to do about that.  As long as they don’t sample all of them, I’m fine with it.

Trying to make arrangements to take my boys to the movies tomorrow night.  I’ve got two going, but don’t know about the third.  Wanted to go today, but couldn’t get in touch with Zak.  Donovan’s all geared up to see Toy Story 3.  And get popcorn.  And a drink.

A little bit of everything.  Garden, Donovan on the straw bales, the work in the new pantry.  Need to get new pictures since we’ve started adding to the shelves.

Sitting Tall

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Now, look, guys, I think you’re really cute, but this battle is becoming ridiculous.  I take out the potatoes, so you eat the sugar snap peas.  I was going to take them out, anyway, but I had hoped to at least get a few more before I destroyed them.  So I guess I’ll get the traps reset and watch you die…one at a time.  Because we obviously can’t share the same territory.

Geez, where’s Bill Murray when you need him?  I mean, granted it’s not a gopher, but this ain’t no golf course, either.  This is my garden  we’re talkin’ about.

I’m not sure about this one.  The taste reminds me of my grandmother’s cherry pie she made with tart cherries.  Waiting to see if it’s going to set.  It set in the pot, but that doesn’t mean much.  Sometimes it does that and then doesn’t set up at all in the jar.  We shall see.

David sent me an email to let me know that the raspberries were ready so off I went to get those.  On the hottest day of the year so far.  Stupid of me, but I went.  Scott and the boys love them.  I hate the things but these were so easy to pick it was almost fun.  Now, I just have to make my raspberry jam.  Going to do that with most of them and then hold out a few to make a mixed berry jam.  I’ve got strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and now raspberries to add to the mix.  Should be interesting.  Of course, with those nasty things in there I won’t eat it.  But…well….they’re family, ya know?  They like it.

The things I do for the men in my life….